Reaching graduation marks the culmination of one phase of life and the beginning of another…hence the term “commencement.” These mileposts recognize not only the culmination of academic efforts by the students, but also years of commitment, perseverance, and in most cases intentional sacrifice by their parents.

The apostle John wrote of the ultimate joy of a parent when he wrote to his “spiritual children”, “I have no greater joy than to hear that my children are walking in the truth.” (III John 4) We can extrapolate from that hope that there would be great joy in our children encouraging others to walk with them in that truth.

Here are a few examples of that kind of influence as demonstrated from exerts from three student speeches delivered at LCS graduation ceremonies this year.

Relationship with Christ, not just grades

“After seven years of attending a school where the teachers encourage you to pursue your relationship with Christ and grow to be more like him, I have realized how important this is to becoming men and women of God. I want to thank all of the teachers and administration for truly caring and praying for each of us even though we might not always have been willing to learn. Also, I would like to thank all of our parents who have poured out their love on us. We have been privileged to have teachers that are more concerned about our relationships with Christ than our grades…” Josie Koretchko, Salutatorian

Broken but not hopeless

“…please get this. We are broken. We are dead in our apathy and selfishness and lack of love. But there is hope! We can be redeemed through the saving grace of Jesus Christ’s sacrifice on the cross and resurrection from the grave. He has conquered death and He has conquered your sin. I pray that as we all go our separate ways that we all follow the path Christ has laid before each of us.” Charlotte Varnum, Christian Leadership Award

A chance to make a difference

“We have all been given specific gifts that can only be used to the full potential when we are doing what God designed us to do. Don’t let the world influence you and what you will become. Become who you were meant to be. Each one of us has a chance to make a difference. Follow the Lord. Strive to use what you have learned over the past four years and what you will learn in the upcoming years to change the lives of those you come in contact with.” Hope Dodd, Valedictorian

No guarantees, but reason for hope

Enrolling our students in a Christian school does not carry a guarantee that they will always walk in truth. It does carry the hope that God will be at work in their hearts to draw them to Himself and begin the process of conforming them to the image of Christ (Romans 8:39; Philippians 1:6). Whether this trajectory is established in the K-12 years or later, the profound influences of Christian schooling can provide a strong foundation for the journey.

I hope you enjoy this brief glimpse into the hearts of three of our graduates who are striving to walk in truth. They exemplify this year’s theme, “Make a difference…Choose Shalom!”

A special thanks to all who have partnered with us throughout the 2013-14 school year. May God bless you and your family with a wonderful summer.

Dr. Mike Sligh, Headmaster, has served at LCS for more than 40 years. To contact Dr. Sligh, email him at msligh@lcsonline.org.